This draft class of defensive tackles offers plenty of top prospects. There are players who can disrupt things inside, pressure quarterbacks up the middle and stuff the run. Teams need depth at the position because defensive tackles get hit on every play—sometimes by two or three blockers.

Most coaches like to have a stable of DTs so they can rotate them and keep them fresh. The cream in this draft comes from these players:

1. Sharrif Floyd, Florida (6-3, 297). He might be the best player in this draft, and it’s possible he could be the No. 1 overall pick. Though he weighs nearly 300 pounds, he ran a 4.92 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine. On the first night of the draft, expect his name to be called No. 1, 2 or 3.

2. Star Lotulelei, Utah (6-3, 311). Until more is learned about a heart condition that was detected at the Combine, it’s hard to predict his draft position. Based on ability, Lotulelei is a top-10 pick. He had a strong pro day last week after being cleared to participate.

3. Sheldon Richardson, Missouri (6-3, 294). Floyd has the athleticism to push the pocket as a pass rusher and run down ballcarriers. He should go in the middle of the first round.

4. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State (6-3, 320). Scout say he uses his hands and strength well to shed blockers, and that he has excellent stamina. That combination could make him a first-round pick, and an immediate contributor in a tackle rotation.

5. Kawann Short, Purdue (6-3, 303). Short has dropped about 15 pounds from his 2012 playing weight and ran well at his pro day. He is an explosive run stopper and could play 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end. Look for him to be selected late in the first round or early in Round 2.

6. Jesse Williams, Alabama (6-3, 323). Williams loves tattoos, and putting a hurt on opposing players. One of his favorite tats is YOLO, which stands for “You Only Live Once.” You only get drafted once, too. He should not have to wait longer than Round 2.

7. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina (6-3, 313). He has worked hard to get this far, walking on at a junior college after being ignored by colleges coming out of high school. He will not be ignored in his draft and looks like a solid second-round pick.

8. Cory Grissom, South Florida (6-1, 306). Grissom holds his own as a run stuffer. But he dealt with some injuries during his college career, which could impact his draft stock.

9. Bennie Logan, LSU (6-2, 309). He was somewhat overshadowed on LSU’s defense, playing with Barkevious Mingo, Kevin Minter and Sam Montgomery. All of those players should go higher than Logan, but he’s a solid tackle who could be a solid second-day pick.

10. Akeem Spence, Illinois (6-1, 307). His durability is a plus, starting all 38 games during his college career. Even when Illinois was getting pounded during a 2-10 season, Spence showed superb effort.

11. Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern State (6-1, 335). Though he is listed as a tackle, Williams can play anywhere across the line. He will have to erase doubts about being a small school product, but he should find an NFL home.

12. John Jenkins, Georgia (6-4, 346). Jenkins admits he has played as heavy as 370 at Georgia. Teams concerned about his weight could decide to pass, but when he’s in shape, he has the talent to be an every-down tackle.

13. Jordan Hill, Penn State (6-1, 303). Hill believes he can be effective as a 3-4 nose tackle, though he might be suited best for a 4-3 scheme. Hill had a good Senior Bowl week, which might help him move into the third round.

14. Montori Hughes, Tennessee-Martin (6-4, 329). He began his career at the University of Tennessee but was dismissed after having academic issues and failing two drug tests. He has the talent to play in the NFL, but some teams will shy away due to past troubles.

15. T.J. Barnes, Georgia Tech (6-6, 369). Barnes moves well for a mammoth tackle, posting a 5.22 40 at his pro day. But at almost 370 pounds, he had trouble with endurance in college and needs to lose weight to stick in the NFL.

16. Everett Dawkins, Florida State (6-2, 292). Part of a loaded Seminoles defensive line, he should draw mid-round interest. He’s not projected to be a starter but has the potential to add quality depth to a D-line rotation.

17. Gilbert Pena, Mississippi (6-2½, 330). An effective senior season at nose tackle improved his chances to get drafted. Though he is viewed as a project, Pena has a hard-working reputation.

18. Kwame Geathers, Georgia (6-5, 342). He began last season as a backup but played well after moving into the starting lineup and decided to leave Georgia following his junior season. He’ll have to prove he is ready to make the jump.